Siobhan O'Donovan

Project Title: Biosecurity status of Irish dairy farms - assessment and intervention 

Overview: Biosecurity is of the forefront of animal health and wellbeing and therefore needs to be investigated on a national basis. Biosecurity status of Irish Dairy farms at present is unknown. The main objective of this goal is to assess the biosecurity stats of Irish Dairy herds and assess the effect of intervention on Irish Dairy farms. This research will directly and positively impact the roll out of the National Farmed Animal Biosecurity Strategy (2021-24).

Siobhán graduated from Waterford Institute of Technology (SETU) in 2021 with a Bachelor of Honours Degree in Agricultural Science.  Siobhán grew up on a mixed enterprise farm with a keen interest in the Dairy Industry. As part of her college course, Siobhán carried out her placement on a dairy farm in the North Island of New Zealand. She went on to complete her college course investigating neonatal health through calf management practices from birth to weaning. Siobhán was awarded Student of The Year for this project.

Programme Area: Animal and Bioscience 

Supervisors: John Mee, and Conor McAloon

Location: Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork 

Funding Source: Teagasc